Nearly a decade ago back in film school I was prop shopping for a 1960’s period short film I was involved with. Now, thanks to my mother I’ve always been a frugal shopper, so when digging around one of Ventura, CA’s many antique shops I immediately perused the booths near the back of the store that featured items at 50% off. While on this hunt for cheap, yet relevant 60’s era props I came across this pristine phonograph. At first glance of this beautiful cabinet record player, and without even seeing the price tag, I was instantly fixated on becoming its ultimate and inevitable owner. When I saw the price tag of $80 I nearly wet myself. $40 + tax later she was mine. I called my buddy Omar, who had a flat bed and we hauled it off to set. It didn’t have a dominant presence in the final short film, but when the shoot was over I found myself the proud owner of an amazing piece of stereophonic machinery.

The LP on the platter is Johnny Cash’s 1957 debut Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar, which would have been just 9 years old when this High-Fidelity All-Transistor Stereophonic Radio-Phonograph was manufactured and sold.

For nearly 10 years ol’ Philco has moved with me a total of five times. She’s always dominated every living room she’s inhabited and still sounds as good today as she did the day I brought her home. Not bad for being 47 years old.

I enjoy imagining what the manufacturers at the Philco Corporation back in 1966 would think of the music I play on this phonograph now. I doubt they’d be as much into N.E.R.D., The Revolting Cocks or Drive Like Jehu as I am.

When I got this guy, the left speaker didn’t work. Fortunately, the speaker wire had just gotten jostled, so mine was an easy fix. I’m currently having trouble with the motor to the phonograph, which is causing an irregular RPM issue, but the sound quality on this majestic machine, as you well know, is 2nd to none. I wish you the best in your restoration process and thanks for reading!

I’m in Columbus, OH. My 1966 Philco also has a “tape” switch with inputs on the back of the console. The turntable no longer turns. The finish is awful, as it was used as a plant stand and lived in a humid sunroom for 12 years. Any suggestions on who to market it to for sale? (Film companies, antiques stores, etc.) Is there intrinsic value, or is it just in the eyes of the beholder?

I found mine at an antique shop. Unfortunately, they don’t fetch a whole lot of money (I paid $40 for mine), as the market for these cabinet players are rather small. You could try Craigslist or a local antique dealer. I hope this helps!

Is it fully functional? How is the wood exterior? I’ve seen them go from $50 – $250. Check your local Craig’s List for a decent market value price. That or eBay. Spruce it up with a nice coat of lemon oil to help sell it. Cheers.

We had this same stereo when I was a kid growing up in Michigan. My dad bought it brand new in 1966, and it graced our living room until we moved to Arizona in 1970. It even survived 2 F2 tornadoes unscathed. I know we had the same one by looking at pictures taken in our home. We gave it to my aunt when we left Michigan, and sadly, I have no idea where it went from there. It was used for many a tween girl’s (me) parties.

I’ve been tasked with the respectful responsibility of finding a new home for a similar console stereo. It’s sound is nothing like any fancy Bose or Altec Lansing — it’s a 1000 times better. These works of art and craftsmanship blend wood and style with brilliant acoustics. It’s for sale. Hit me up it’s in perfect condition and works.
Curt at 760.33l.93ll I’ll text you more pics and video.

Hello, I LOVED seeing your post. I was recently given this very same console from my mother. It was always in our house growing up and it still sounds great! Mine has some issues with the auto functions, I think it just needs cleaned and re-lubed, but I just play the vinyls manually and it works fine. Mine had the model tag still on it: q-1726-wa. Did you ever get a replacement needle? I looked it up and it said to replace with Pfanstiel # M855. However, my mom left the package for the needle she replaced at some point and it was # S855. I’m not sure what the difference is. Did you ever find any additional info the the record changer? I believe it is a Voice of Muisc changer but I can’t find the part number.